Tucker Batterton netted six points in a loss to Frankston. (photo by Snazzy Shenanigans Photography)
By T. Scott Boatright
The Choudrant Aggies cruised past Calvin on the road Friday night before running into a Texas-sized juggernaut in a home game against Lone State state opponent Frankston on Saturday to wrap up weekend play for the CHS boys hoopsters.
Choudrant stormed out to an early lead en route to a 68-39 win at Saline on Friday before Frankston slowly overpowered the Aggies, 72-48, on Saturday.
“At this point in the season it’s about doing whatever you can to challenge yourself and get better,” said Aggies coach Ryan Smith. “We played well against Calvin and knew what kind of team we were facing in Frankston.
“But if you want to be the best you have to play the best. So we’re going to learn from that one and move on to our next game.”
Senior post player Michael Jones led the Aggies with 25 points while Carson Carrico connected on three 3-pointers for the Aggies, who also got six points from Tucker Batteron and four each from Lawson Stevens and Braden Soto.
Frankson was led by Brayden Madison, a junior guard who hit for 28 points, including seven 3-pointers.
Next up for the Aggies (12-7) is a game against St. Frederick (3-3) at 7:30 p.m. today in the CHS Boys Gym.
St. Frederick won a home game against Choudrant on Dec. 8 by the score of 83-44.
“We need our home crowd to come out and support us in this one,” Smith said. “It should be a great game and we need to take advantage of that home crowd and see what we can do playing in front of our supporters to give us some extra energy.”
Aggies 68, Saline 66
After a sluggish start the Aggies ignited late in the opening stanza, leading 18-7 at the end of the first quarter Friday night before storming out to a 41-15 advantage over the Cougars.
Sophomore Carson Carrico led the way for the Aggies with 18 points while senior post player Michael Jones led Choudrant with 17 points, Lawson Stevens chipped in with 15 and Braden Soto hit for 14 points for the Aggies.
RUSTON – They say when you are in a shooting slump, the best way to get out of it is to keep shooting. That is precisely what Salma Bates did in Louisiana Tech’s 49-47 win over Alcorn State Saturday afternoon inside the Thomas Assembly Center.
The fifth-year senior was just 3-26 from long range in her last three games but remained confident and finished 4-9 from deep, including the game-winner with 38 seconds remaining against the Braves.
“I am really proud of our group for finding a way to win,” Lady Techster head coach Brooke Stoehr said. “It wasn’t pretty, but at the end of the day, they found a way to make a play down the stretch offensively and defensively to secure a win. I don’t care who we’re playing or where it is; winning is hard at any level. Sometimes, you get in a rut, and breaking out of that is hard, so they need to experience that. I’m really proud of them for finding a way.
“It was a tough day offensively for us. We struggled to score there in that first half. That second quarter was tough. We got several good looks, but they didn’t go down. We got offensive rebounds, didn’t make a putback, and missed layups, but they stayed in it. That’s the one thing about this group: when things haven’t gone well, they haven’t put their head down and pouted; they haven’t quit.”
LA Tech (3-9) used the inside game to help set up the deep ball. Anna Larr Roberson finished with a game-high 15 points and six rebounds, while Bates finished with 14.
Alcorn (2-6) opened the game, knocking down three of their first five shots to take a 6-3 lead four minutes into the game. The Lady Techsters’ defense stepped up and forced the Lady Braves to just 2-7 shooting the rest of the quarter to take a 15-11 advantage after one.
The shots didn’t fall to Tech in the second quarter, allowing Alcorn to take a 24-21 lead into halftime.
The home team never gave up and focused on not letting the third quarter hinder their chances for the win. The defense forced Alcorn into six turnovers that turned into seven points, and the Lady Techsters cut into the lead heading into the final stanza.
The fourth quarter started slowly, with the teams combining for just two points in the first three minutes. The Lady Braves used a 6-0 run over a two-minute stretch to regain a three-point lead and force Tech to call a timeout. Roberson would come out of the timeout and power to give the Lady Techsters a chance with a minute reaming down 47-46.
After Roberson’s shot went in, the Lady Techsters used a full-court press to force a turnover. Jianna Morris was able to throw the ball off the Alcorn player, giving the ball right back to the Lady Techsters. That would lead Morris to find Bates in the corner in front of the Lady Techsters bench for the game-winner.
Alcorn shot 45 percent from the field (22-49), with Nakia Cheatham leading the way with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Zy’Nyia White added 10, and Tyginae Wright had seven.
Ruston High had five seniors and two assistant coaches participate in the 2023 I-20 Bowl on the East All-Star team taking on the West All-Stars, which included a wide receiver who caught the game-winning touchdown.
The Bearcats seniors included offensive lineman Kylon Bradley, cornerback Semaj Jones, safeties Jacoryian Crowe and Nate Johnson, and wide receiver Logan Malone. Ruston assistants participating were offensive coordinator Earl Griffin and defensive backs coach Kenny Wright.
“I think that it’s well-deserved,” Ruston High head coach Jerrod Baugh said. “Depending on what these kids plan to do, if they want to go play some college football somewhere, they could have that possibility. But for some that may choose not to play again, I think it’s an opportunity maybe to relax and get a chance to go back out. And I think it’s extra special for our that it’s our stadium, it’s our field, and they’ll have a chance to get out there and and play one more time.”
Malone’s heroics put the East team over with 1:58 left to play with his 26-yard touchdown reception. The East would get their fifth win in a row by a final score of 15-14 in a defensive battle that started with the West team scoring on the first offensive possession of the day.
For seniors Crowe and Bradley, it was a good feeling to participate after winning a state championship the previous weekend.
“I grew up watching my cousins play who wanted a state championship,” Crowe said. “As far as me, I can come back out here and play with the emotion (following the championship). I think it’s just a good opportunity for us to get more exposure.”
Bradley echoed his teammate.
“It’s truly an honor and a blessing to put these pads back on one more time and try to get another opportunity,” Bradley said. “I really just want to thank the man above for giving me another chance and to these coaches give me another chance.”
Regan Taylor November 30, 1938 – December 15, 2023 Visitation: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Farmerville, Tuesday, December 19, 2023, 9:00 am – 10:00 am Service: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Farmerville, Tuesday, December 19, 2023, 10:00 am Cemetery: Meridian Baptist Church Cemetery, Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Grambling State University has scheduled a 10 a.m. press conference today to announce its new head football coach. Sources close to the program say that selection will be someone not completely unfamiliar with GSU football — Mickey Joseph.
Joseph previously served as wide receivers/special teams coach at Grambling for the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
He was most recently assistant head coach and then interim coach at Nebraska for the 2022 season.
Joseph, who also served as running backs coach at Louisiana Tech in 2016, was wide receivers coach for LSU from 2017-2021, also serving as assistant head coach from 2020-21.
Grambling will be the third Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Joseph has coached for. Joseph served as assistant coach at Oklahoma’s Langston University from in 200-09 before taking over head coaching duties from 2011-2013.
Joseph then assistant head coach/special teams at Alcorn State in 2014.
A native of Marrerro, Louisiana, who attended Shaw High School, Joseph went on to become a standout quarterback for the University of Nebraska.
Cedar Creek connected on 11 three-pointers and the Cougars rode that hot shooting to a 66-53 road win at Quitman tonight.
The Cougars (7-4) avenged a 64-54 loss to the Wolverines (13-6) in the championship game of the Neill Kilgore Memorial Tournament last Saturday night at the Brickhouse.
“This was a huge huge win for us,” said Cedar Creek head coach Lance Waldron. “It was on the road at their place. This was a big-time win for our program against a really good team.”
Jake Doan led four Cougars in double figures with 18 points followed by Jack Bell with 14, Luke Waldron with 13 and Connor Johnson with 11. Brett Bell added six and Landon Hall four points in the win.
“Quitman focused on Jake and so we had to make adjustments and have other people step up and we did,” said Waldron. “It was a team effort.”
Cedar Creek jumped out to a 17-12 lead after the first quarter as Luke Waldron scored eight points, including a pair of three-pointers. The second quarter saw Hall, Johnson Doan each score four points for Creek as the Cougars took a 31-28 advantage into the lockerroom.
“We felt like our game plan going in was to get the ball inside to Jack and some of the other guys, to get a match-up we like inside,” said Waldron. “We did that. But our outside shot was falling tonight. We made 11 three-pointers. In the championship game of our tournament it wouldn’t fall. We didn’t want to rely on the three, but we shot real well tonight.”
The third quarter saw the two teams go back and forth with each team scoring 15 points in the frame, led by six from Jack Bell and five from Doan.
With the Cougars holding onto the slim 46-43 lead heading into the fourth quarter, Cedar Creek wouldn’t allow the home team to rally. Five different Cougars connected on a three-pointer in the fourth quarter as Cedar Creek outscored Quitman 20-10 to pull away for the win.
“We did everything well,” said Waldron. “We played together. Our guys came into the game focused. We didn’t get rattled. When you go to Quitman, it’s an exciting atmosphere, and it’s always packed. We went over there and stayed focused and we didn’t get rattled. Quitman won our tournament last week, and I felt like we got rattled in that game. But we stayed focused the whole game tonight.
“We finally won a game against a winning program. (Quitman coach) Mike Black does a really good job so to go over there and win was huge. It’s hard to beat those guys. They are used to winning.”
Following a tough loss to Wossman Thursday night, Ruston’s boys (4-6) picked up a win over Frankston High out of Texas by a final score of 58-39 in Memorial Gym on the campus of Louisiana Tech University.
“It’s an improvement from yesterday,” Ruston High head coach Ryan Bond said. “Like I said last night, I knew we’ve got really good players– we’ve got great players. And it’s just getting them back in basketball shape. And I know Frankston’s a little bit different than last night, but we knew it be. We were hoping it was a chance to work on some things and kind of find our identity. You know, we’ve got some pieces, but the guys just have to learn to work together.”
Ruston jumped out to an early 15-11 lead after the first quarter before extending the lead at halftime to 35-16 after holding Frankston to five points in the second quarter.
“It’s difficult without practice days,” Bond said. “If we had more practice days with no games. But, you know, we’re in the middle of the season. So it’s just a conditioning.”
Following Thursday night’s loss, Bond said he was pleased with how the Bearcats responded in the Frankston victory.
“I think the ball movement; taking care of the ball was the biggest thing,” Bond said. “We rebounded better, especially at the start the game. Our defensive intensity was better. I thought we let off in the second half, but that happens when you get up 19. I thought we were ourselves a little bit more.”
Freshman KeShun Malcolm led Ruston’s scorers with 13 points on the night, senior Zhy Scott chipped in with 11 points.
Ruston will return to the road for a Monday night matchup at Gibsland-Coleman. Tip off is set for 7:30 p.m.
RUSTON – Despite key runs by the Magnolia Lady Panthers throughout the ballgame that kept Ruston at bay for most of Friday night, it was toughness down the stretch that brought the Lady Bearcats to a 69-66 win in Memorial Gym after trailing nearly the entire night.
“Credit Magnolia; they played very hard tonight and our girls felt the same way,” Ruston head coach Meredith Graf said. “We were just purely being out-hustled and outworked at certain points. And so when you get in that striking distance of two, four or even six points, and you’re right there, we would shoot ourselves in the foot on silly things. And it’s something that our team has been very conscious of lately. We’re trying to work through that and trying to figure out how to prevent some of those things.
“But overall, the main thing is I told them you only have to be up, you know, with zero seconds on the clock.”
Ruston took its first lead of the night at 66-64 with a layup by senior Jaliyah McWain through traffic with 1:11 to play following a three-pointer by senior Zaccheya Jackson to tie the game 64-64 25 seconds earlier.
The Lady Bearcats would outscore the Lady Panthers 5-2 down the stretch for the victory following a loss to Wossman Thursday night at home 71-42.
Ruston would get down 18-13 after the first quarter before fighting back in the second quarter to cut Magnolia’s lead to 40-37 at the half.
Tough plays by McWain included back-to-back layups after an in-bound steal near the four minute mark to cut the lead to one-score. Senior Jordan Tate also fought her way to grab key offensive boards before halftime.
The third quarter would see Ruston tie the game 52-52 with 1:02 on the clock after freshman Angelica Green knocked down a pair of three pointers. Magnolia would use a quick 4-0 run to take a 56-52 lead into the fourth quarter, but it would not be enough as Ruston would get the win after out-scoring the Lady Panthers 17-10 in the final quarter.
“I’m really proud of Angelica,” Graf said of her freshman. “We gave her the assignment to guard their best player who is very fast and has a lot of skill. (Her three-pointers) really gave us a good boost to get over that hump, so to speak. And so for her to come in and be able to do that for us is super exciting. The teammates are pumped for her, and it’s just one of those things anytime we can get something like that out of a younger player, we want to take that.”
McWain finished the night with 18 points, while Jackson totaled 14.
The Lady Bearcats return to action Monday, Dec. 18, at Gibsland-Coleman for a 6 p.m. tipoff.
Get ready to rock around in Downtown Ruston’s Christmas Parade, free for all to attend this Saturday.
At 10 a.m., floats will line up at Ruston High School, then head north on James Street, take a right onto the I-20 service road, proceed east, turn right onto the new Monroe Street that runs behind City Hall, take a right onto West Alabama where it will travel to Everett Street and turn back to RHS.
Claire Kilpatrick Givens, owner and general manager of Kilpatrick Investments, LLC & Kilpatrick Hotels, is the parade chairman who organized the parade.
“The Christmas Parade has been a long-standing tradition for Ruston,” said Givens. “However, this is the first year Quota USA has sponsored this event.”
Residents can access the parade by standing on the sidewalks of the new Greenway and Monroe Street area opening soon.
Each parade float must fit the theme of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.’
“Quota USA has been an active charitable organization in Ruston since 1957,” said Givens. “This is just another project we have sponsored that helps us help others in our community.”
Rick Godley is the Grand Marshal this year.
“Rick has done a fabulous job rejuvenating the Lincoln Parish Museum, bringing attention to Buddy Ball events as well as community awareness of news/projects,” said Givens.
Quota USA is always looking for new members to join in supporting community projects. Contact claire@thegibbz.net for membership information.
Ruston High’s 2023 state champion football team will be honored Saturday by the City of Ruston.
The morning will start with the Bearcats participating in the Ruston Christmas parade, beginning at 10 a.m.
The parade will begin at Ruston High School, then head north on James Street, take a right onto the I-20 service road, proceed east, turn right onto the new Monroe Street that runs behind City Hall, take a right onto West Alabama where it will travel to Everett Street and turn back to RHS.
Following the parade, the Bearcat players will be at Railroad Park where there will be an opportunity for them to sign autographs. Fans are encouraged to bring items for the Ruston players to sign.
A celebration pep rally will follow downtown at Railroad Park starting approximately at 12 p.m.
All of the community is invited to attend both events.
“Normally, I’m not much on all of that stuff especially during the season, but I feel like these kids have earned that,” said Ruston head coach Jerrod Baugh. “And I would like for our kids to be there and show the community how much they appreciate the support that they have given us all throughout the year.
“We had a really good showing at the state championship game. Anything we can do to give back to the community and to show our appreciation, I’m all for that.
“I challenged our fans a couple of years ago about coming to our games consistently to show support for our players, and they have really gone above and beyond … game after game after game after game.”
A Ruston woman was arrested on drug charges early last Friday morning after she was stopped by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office for traffic violations.
Jessica Nicole Steen, 41, was stopped on Cooktown Road about 12:15 a.m. Friday morning by a deputy who observed traffic violations on La. Highway 33 and Interstate 20. When the deputy approached the driver, he asked Steen if she had any weapons, and she produced a box cutter. He noticed Steen appeared to be in a “frantic or excited state,” could not remain still, and was wearing her coat inside out. The deputy wrote in his report that based on his training, he believed Steen was under the influence of narcotics.
A drug dog conducted an open air sniff around the vehicle and alerted to the odor of narcotics inside. A search of the vehicle located methamphetamine, clonazepam, and drug paraphernalia.
Steen was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance (clonazepam), possession of drug paraphernalia, improper lane usage, and no liability insurance.
Bail was set at $12,500.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Meagan Stephenson and members of her class with the goat. (Courtesy Photo)
Written by Emma Stone
The DECA Chapter of Cedar Creek Schools hosted a fundraiser event for all to donate towards the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
DECA stands for Distributive Educations Clubs of America, an international organization with over 150,000 high school participants, including Cedar Creek Schools.
Caty Simmons, business/marketing teacher and DECA advisor, helped the DECA officers decide on the idea as well as coordinate all the moving pieces.
“MDA is the long-standing community service partner for DECA, Inc., the international organization we are a part of,” said Simmons. “The fundraiser was even more successful than we hoped.”
Cedar Creek raised more than $800 in this effort. .
“I am happy to be a part of raising money for such an important organization,” said Simmons. “We were very proud of our DECA students for coordinating it and for giving back to MDA.”
Teachers were given the opportunity to become the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) if their students raised the most money by donating change in a bucket located in each of the classrooms that participated.
Sixteen classes at Creek competed from Pre-K level to 12 grades. Meagan Stephenson, Cedar Creek Pre-K teacher, and her class raised the most.
“My class loved donating,” said Stephenson. “Once the bucket was delivered to my room, I explained that they could bring money to help children that were sick. They thought it was fun to put money in the bucket.”
The prize for Stephenson: the chance to kiss a live goat on Cedar Creek’s morning video announcements.
“I was proud of my students and their families,” said Stephenson. “It always feels good to give to those in need. I hope my students realize how fortunate they are and that they will always give to those in need when they can.”
(I.A. Lewis students playing in the newly purchased Gaga ball pit)
Story courtesy of the Lincoln Parish School Board
I.A. Lewis School is excited to announce that it has been selected as a recipient of a Pledge 10 Grant from Jonesboro State Bank, which will fund the acquisition of new playground equipment, enhancing the school’s recreational facilities and promoting physical activity and social interaction among its students.
The Pledge 10 Grant Program, established by Jonesboro State Bank, provides grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. These grants are awarded on a semi-annual basis to support innovative ideas to address unmet community needs and creatively enhance community strengths and opportunities.
“We are thrilled to have been chosen for the Pledge 10 Grant from Jonesboro State Bank,” I.A. Lewis school principal Alisia Thomason said. “This generous support will allow us to enhance our school’s playground, providing a more engaging and inclusive space for our students.”
I.A. Lewis School’s successful application for the grant reflects its commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for students to learn, play, and thrive.
The new playground equipment will not only contribute to the physical health and development of the students but will also serve as a hub for social interaction, fostering friendships and teamwork.
“Our first purchase with grant funds was a Gaga Ball Pit,” Thomason said. “It is already very popular among students, and students are working together, teaching one another the game.”
The school will purchase a shade structure and additional seating areas with the grant funds as well. The school plans to continue to involve students in the selection process for new options for the playground, ensuring that the new equipment aligns with their preferences and interests.
Grambling Police arrested a local man early Saturday morning after a woman reported he strangled her during an argument.
About 11:50 p.m. last Friday night, a woman reported to GPD that she and her boyfriend, Aaron D. Aings, 29, had an argument that turned physical. The women said she received several phone messages from another woman about Aings. When she told Aings about the messages, he allegedly became belligerent and attempted to snatch the phone from her hand.
The woman said Aings wrestled her down to the floor attempting to obtain the phone. She also told police Aings grabbed her by her throat with both hands, picked her up by her throat, walked her down the hallway, and threw her down on the floor. She said the act made it difficult for her to breathe and officers saw bruises around her neck.
Officers went to a Dunn Road residence where Aings allegedly admitted to choking the woman. He was arrested and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for domestic abuse battery with strangulation. A hold was also placed on Aings for the Louisiana Department of Corrections-Probation & Parole.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Following the state championship winning season, Ruston High School has added more post season accolades for a few players and the head coach.
Senior linebacker Jadon Mayfield has been named the Louisiana Football Coach’s Association 5A defensive Most Valuable Player, while head coach Jerrod Baugh was named LFCA coach of the year
“It’s always great to see our players recognized for their accomplishments on the field,” Baugh said. “We are very proud of those recognized.
”I would also add that it doesn’t always stack up with what my personal opinion is of who should or shouldn’t be on it or how the selection process works.”
Mayfield joins senior defensive linemen Ahmad Breaux and Geordan Guidry along with senior defensive back Nate Johnson on the LFCA 5A all-state first team.
Kade Luker (left) will most likely take over the QB duties in 2024 with the graduation of Ladd Thompson. (photo by Darrell James)
By Malcolm Butler
William Parkerson knows the Cedar Creek football program is far from where he ultimately wants it to be – representing the school deep into the Select School Division IV playoffs.
Maybe even an eventual trip to the Caesars Superdome for a state title game appearance one day.
However, the first year Cougars boss feels his inaugural season back at the school where he once served as an assistant coach was a productive one for the program.
If nothing else, it was the beginning of an established mindset for Cedar Creek.
“Win or lose, we competed during the regular season,” said Parkerson, whose team went 4-6 with a loss Catholic Point Coupe in the first round of the playoffs. “We never backed down from a fight. We probably maximized what we had to be honest. Our kids just competed.”
After starting the season 0-3 with close one-possession losses to Glenbrook and Vidalia, Parkerson and Co. reeled off wins in four of its next five games — with the one loss coming to OCS.
Aspects of understanding scheme and execution improved through the course of three months of football, something that wasn’t easy at times on the offensive side of the ball with a complete change in offensive style. The Cougars went from a spread, pass-heavy style at times the previous two years to a flex-bone run-heavy scheme in 2023.
At times there were glimpses of the future, but the Cougars never could find the consistency needed on that side of the football. The loss of starting center Brett Johnson for the first four games of the season stunted the growth early.
“It just never seemed to click offensively,” said Parkerson. “I thought we were going to be a little better on that side of the ball then we were. I didn’t think coming in we would (struggle as much) with the offensive change. I didn’t think it would be an issue. Maybe it was a bigger issue than I thought it would be.
“This offense is made for this school with the type of kids we have year in and year out. We are always going to have more running back-type kids than we are receivers. We are generally going to be average to above average to great up front depending on the year. This offense is made for a school like this so hopefully we more understanding and more reps it will get better.”
Creek will graduate starting QB Ladd Thompson, RB Gray Worthey, WR Lawson Lillo, center Brett Johnson and others on the offensive unit. However, Parkerson said he is more focused on the continued change of mentality.
“It has to continue to get better,” Parkerson said. “That is part of changing the mindset too. I don’t care if we are playing the Dallas Cowboys and you want to put all 11 guys on the line of scrimmage, we are going to stick our face mask in your chest and run the football down your throat. We have to get to where we embrace that aspect of it.”
Soon-to-be-sophomore Kade Luker will most likely take over at quarterback for the Cougars and with three years of eligibility remaining will give Cedar Creek some stability at the position.
“Kade showed in practice that he grasped what we were doing offensively,” said Parkerson. “Mentally, he just got it. I’m excited to see him next year.”
Parkerson said he and his offensive staff will attend a flex bone coaching clinic in Dallas in February, something he has done for a number of years. He also said they would be watching a lot of film.
“Diving in and watching a lot of film,” said Parkerson. “How did people play us this year. It seems like year to year there is a flavor of the month for defending the option. How many weeks did we see these fronts? What were they doing that gave us problems? So we can have answers for next year.”
Defensively, the Cougars continued to have success under veteran DC Mark Ware. It was an easier transition on that side of the football in 2023 with the continuity provided by Ware.
The Cougars recorded three shutouts and held all but three opponents to 22 points or less in 2023. However, that side of the football will have to replace a lot of key contributors as well.
Thus, Parkerson will lean heavily on the likes of Alex Simpson, James Myers, Blake Robinson, Conner Rolen and others.
“We will return four of five offensive linemen and two of four defensive linemen,” said Parkerson. “I always say it starts up front and having that many linemen on both sides of the ball with that type of experience is promising. Hopefully, those guys can set the tone for the type of physicality we want to play with … the nastiness I want us to play with. Hopefully they will play tough, nasty football.”
Maybe the biggest challenge in the off-season and heading into next season will be to increase roster size. This year’s Cougar squad stayed in the range of 26 to 28 players during the majority of the year and Parkerson said that number needs to get closer to 40.
“I told the players, the best recruiters will be them,” Parkerson said. “Them telling their friends they are having fun. Them asking and encouraging them to come out and play football will go way further than me or any other coach doing it.
“Those guys need to be the ones in the hallways encouraging their classmates to come out; encouraging those guys that just play basketball or just play baseball to give football a try. I told them their goal was for everybody to bring a friend next year.”
Creek loses eight to graduation but the incoming eighth grade class that will be freshmen next year is around 14 or 15, some that will already provide the Cougars an increase in itself.
“I would love to be somewhere between 35 and 40,” said Parkerson. “If we can get to that number hopefully not as many kids would have to play every snap on offense, defense and special teams. Practice would go way smoother.
“Hopefully we can get to where we have enough bodies that we can do more drills and not wear people out. That’s something that stood out in our playoff game … for the first time this year I thought we looked like a tired football team (in our playoff loss).”
With an increase in roster size, a second year in the Parkerson system, and a continued improvement in mentality and execution, Creek hopes to take another step in 2024.
“I told them when we got here that I want people when they play us to turn on the film and say, ‘Oh my gosh, we aren’t going to be able to match their intensity, their effort, and their physicality,'” said Parkerson. “Did we ever get to that point this year? No. But I thought as the year went on we started playing more and more like that. Can we take another step with that?
“I don’t care if they turn on the tape and say, ‘Man these guys are good, they are big, they are fast.’ I could care less. I want people to turn on the film and say, ‘Oh my God. Nobody plays as hard as them. Nobody plays as intense as them. Nobody plays as physical as them.’ If we can get to that point, we can make a big jump.”
Since I have lived in the Gibsland metroplex, I have rescued or rehomed fifteen dogs. I know that dog number sixteen is out there. I’m always looking!
We kept two dogs; I think it is called a foster-failure. They are classic mutts. I rescued Rolo’s mom knowing that she would have puppies. She had nine! Rolo, the runt of the litter, is part Beagle and part Pit bull. Chester was found abandoned in January of this year. He is a funny blend of Pit bull and boxer. The dogs and I have a symbiotic relationship. I plant things in the yard. The dogs dig them up. I put sod down. The dogs dig it up. I purchase toys for the dogs, they unstuff the toys. There are mornings when the floor of the house looks like a snowstorm happened. Recently, they have taken the indestructible stuffed doggy toys to the backyard to unstuff them. Imagine the fun I’m having picking up the stuffing along with leaves, pecans, and the remains of the plants that have been excavated.
I built nice picket fences around the flower beds to keep the two diggers out. That plan failed. It failed so miserably that Rolo got trapped behind one of the fences. He entered the flowerbed to dig, and then couldn’t figure out how to get out. He whined until someone came out to free him.
Rolo has also developed a fascination for the Christmas tree. He has a preference for the glass ornaments that are hanging on the bottom third of the tree. Since he is part Beagle, he is a long dog and has a great reach. So along with the stuffed animal stuffing in the backyard, I am now cleaning up the remnants of Christmas tree ornaments. So far, he has not chewed a sentimental ornament, just old glass ornaments. Ugh!
My two dogs can make a prodigious mess. If only I could thank them for making the mess!
I have seen some homes that are perfectly decorated for Christmas. We could debate long and hard; colors, textures, styles, and whether you believe that a C-9 incandescent Christmas light is the most pleasing seasonal illumination. I have seen some homes decorated for Christmas that were probably the inspiration for magazine covers. They are amazing and beautiful. Hours of work to accomplish the perfect Christmas atmosphere. The decorations inspire and create seasonable warmth. There is much to commend about Christmas decorations and the hard work that goes into getting it “just right.”
The first Christmas was not “just right” nor was it orderly or neat.
My dogs have a great gift of bringing chaos to my orderly planting and tree decoration. They remind me that Jesus came into the middle of our mess. He came not to condemn or judge us but rather to lift us out of the mess and bring some order to our self-inflected chaos. I’m going to remember that when I go home this afternoon to clean up what the dogs have left for me this Monday.
The message of Christmas is that Jesus has entered your mess!
Ensuring a positive impact on the forestry industry across the southern United States, Martin Sustainable Resources LLC in Alexandria recently donated $1 million to Louisiana Tech as a leadership gift toward construction of the University’s new Forest Products Innovation Center (FPIC), with the assurance of another $1 million to be presented by June 2024.
The Center will be on South Campus and provide space for a transdisciplinary approach to solving the challenges associated with the timber industry. Groundbreaking is set for late Spring, 2024.
“As the Chairman, CEO, and CFO of RoyOMartin, a subsidiary of Martin Sustainable Resources, I am excited to be the lead investor in Louisiana Tech University’s Forest Products Innovation Center,” Roy O. Martin III said. “The Center will play a key role in driving research and identifying sustainable solutions for wood products. I look forward to collaborating and working together in the new state-of-the-art center, where transformational discoveries will become innovative solutions, successfully increasing forest productivity in the region.”
The new building will provide space for research collaborations, not only within the forestry industry, but also with other state and national industry partners. Academic programs in Forestry, Agriculture, Biology, Engineering, Science and other disciplines will all contribute to the learning, research, and service created by the FPIC.
“I look forward to the successful opportunities that the Louisiana Tech University’s Forest Products Innovation Center will offer by serving as an essential link between University research and the needs for adopting new practices, technologies, and products for the forest and timber industry,” President and Chief Operating Officer for RoyOMartin Scott Poole said. “Innovation is the key component to the Center’s success, and Louisiana Tech University exemplifies an innovative-driven culture for learning and research.”
The Center is another leap forward in the University’s strategic initiative to continue its creation of programs and research that foster partnerships and collaboration throughout various academic environments. An ongoing goal is to create greater economic opportunities for Louisiana and the region through more efficient and effective processing of forest products.
“The forestry and forest products industries have a multibillion-dollar impact on Louisiana’s economy, including more than 37,000 jobs,” Dean of Tech’s College of Applied and Natural Sciences Dr. Gary Kennedy said. “Louisiana Tech University has a discovery-driven culture that promotes innovation and entrepreneurship among industry partners, students and faculty, with a long track record of mutually beneficial collaborations.”
Although the interdisciplinary FPIC will be driven by Forestry, there will be a valuable Engineering and Science collaboration. The FPIC will house wood processing and testing labs as well as chemical engineering labs where industry can work with research faculty and students. The collaborative work and diverse leadership teams will prepare and give students the skills needed for tomorrow’s innovative workforce, as well as meet the demands of a global economy.
In addition, a U.S. Forest Researcher will be housed in the FPIC to bring another research perspective and identity to the Center that will provide more opportunities for enhancing the sustainability of forests and forest-related industries.
Freshman Ahmad Hudson slammed home two of his six points in Ruston’s loss to Wossman Thursday night. (photo by Reggie McLeroy)
By Malcolm Butler
Ryan Bond is as happy as anyone that many of his Bearcat basketball players were able to be a part of the Ruston High state championship football team this fall.
And now he is happy to have them back.
But he knows it will take a while for the core group of the Bearcats to get their sea legs under them on the hardwood.
On Thursday night at Scotty Roberson Memorial Gym, Bond and Co. ran into a talented Wossman team an came away with a 68-52 loss.
“It’s difficult to say the least,” said Bond. “Wossman is a good team. They get good players every year, every single year. They are a good team and they have been together for about three weeks and we have been together for about three days.
“It’s not the end of the world. It’s still the second week of December. We still have a lot of games in front of us.”
Aiden Anding and Zhy Scott and Joren Parker and Ahmad Hudson and Zheric Hill were all standing on the carpet of the Caesar’s Superdome on Saturday night following the Bearcats state title win. Now, they are being asked to run up and down the court for 32 minutes — something that will take a while to jell.
“It’s difficult not having these guys most of the summer or any August, September, October, November.,” said Bond. “It’s difficult. But we are going to get there. We are going to keep working. That’s the beauty of basketball. We will bounce back and play tomorrow. We have to learn from this.”
Anding led the Bearcats Thursday night with 17 points, but Ruston couldn’t overcome Jordan Comanche’s 20 points and Krystian Lewis’ 19 points as the Wildcats improved to 9-2 on the season. Wossman entered the game ranked No. 2 in Class 4A in power points.
Wossman ran up and down the floor and Ruston matched the effort for much of the night. However, the Wildcats used a 13-0 run midway through the fourth quarter to blow open the game and pull away for the victory.
“People say, ‘Hey, they are going to be in great shape after playing football.’ No,” said Bond. “They are not in (basketball) shape. Guys got tired. Our effort was okay. It’s a work in progress. The last three years our core guys were basketball only, but this year it wasn’t.”
Scott added eight points and Parker seven points for the Bearcats in the loss.
“We have a lot of talent, and we have a lot of fighters and a lot of leaders and a lot of winners,” said Bond. “Every one of them are winners. We will bounce back.”
Earlier in the day, the Lady Bearcats fell 72-41 to Wossman.
Each Monday and Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com.
Saturday, Dec. 16 8:30 a.m.: Ruston Rudolph Run 5k (Ruston Sports Complex) 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Christmas at the Ruston Sports Complex 10 a.m.: Christmas Parade (Downtown Ruston) 2 p.m.: LA Tech women’s basketball (TAC)
Sophomore guard Carson Carrico led the way with 20 points, including a pair of 3-pointers, to lead the Choudrant Aggies to a 57-39 win at Calvin Tuesday night.
Carrico has had a hot hand in recent games, sinking three 3-pointers in a 52-50 win over Jonesboro-Hodge last week.
“We’ve had six or seven games that have gone down to the wire,” said Aggies coach Ryan Smith. “Putting ourselves that many times where the game is tied at the end, the guys are confident now in those situations. Now we’ve lost some and we’ve won some, but they’re starting to feel more comfortable in that spot.”
Choudrant ended the season with a lack of experience at the guard position, making the play of Carrico and others even more important.
And the play of those guards have helped the Aggies off to an 11-7 start on the season.
“I was unsure of how we’d start the season,” Smith said. “We’ve lost five key guards over the past two years, so we were unsure how that position would work out. But these new guys have been awesome.
“We’ve had to change our style a bit, but they’ve stepped up and filled those holes and are getting better every day, and that’s put us in a pretty good spot early on in the season with that kind of inexperience.”
Carrico is a big part of that surprising early-season guard play for the Aggies.
“Carson is only a 10th-grader but he’s a confident kid,” Smith said. “Whenever he can get some shots to go down early he’s got a mentality that he can carry the game —- he can hit big shots.
He’s really stepping this up now and I think the sky’s the limit for him. He’s just going to keep getting better and better.
Choudrant took control early against Calvin, leading 20-4 at the end of the opening stanza and 31-17 at halftime.
Senior post player Michael Jones poured in 16 points for the Aggies against Calvin while Lawson Stevens added 12 and Braden Soto chipped in with eight.
Next up for the Aggies is a game at Saline (9-7) at 7:30 p.m. today before Choudrant plays host to Frankston, Texas (11-3), at 10 a.m. Saturday.
Choudrant’s Lady Aggies split a pair of basketball games this week, defeating D’Arbonne Woods on Monday before falling at Calvin on Tuesday.
“We’re playing great defense but still trying to learn how to score,” Robertson said. “A big part of that is inexperience, so I believe it will come. But six of our losses have come by 10 points or less, so we’re not getting blown out. We’re making progress. We just have to learn how to score and learn how to finish.”
Lady Aggies 31, Darbonne Woods 15
Defense was the name of the game for the Lady Aggies on Tuesday as they built a 10-2 advantage by the end of the first quarter on Friday, leading the whole way to earn their sixth win of the season.
Brelyn Pyle led the way for Choudrant with nine points while point guard Reese Brown chipped in with seven.
The Lady Aggies also got some quality minutes out of 6-0 sophomore forward Piper Jackson, who scored four points, as did CHS teammate Abby Frazier.
“Piper is a sophomore but is 6-0, so she does bring size,” Robertson said. “We actually have some size, but what we don’t have is a lot of experience. That will come over time. The girls are working hard and had two great practices this week, so it will happen. The only way to overcome inexperience is to play and get better.”
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Calvin 35, Lady Aggies 30
After a strong early effort by the Lady Aggies on Tuesday, Calvin outscored Choudrant 14-5 in the second quarter en route to a five-point win.
Choudrant led 13-9 at the end of the third quarter, but the Lady Cougars roared out on top 23-18 at intermission and stretched that lead to 32-22 by the end of the third quarter.
The Lady Aggies outscored the Lady Cougars 8-3 in the final stanza, but that wasn’t enough as Choudrant fell to 6-10 on the season.
Abby Frazier led CHS with nine points while Reese Brown added eight points, Sadie Jones chipped in with six and Brelyn Pyle hit for five.
Next up for the Lady Aggies (6-10) is a road game at Saline (4-13) tonight.
“Saline is a good match-up for us,” Robertson said. “The only thing is, we’re playing that one on the road and we’ve only won one road game so far this season. But again, inexperience has played a big role in that and that will work itself out the more we play.
“So we’re just going to keep working hard and gaining that needed experience. If we can do that, I believe our scoring will come around and our road performances will get better. We’re just at a point right now where it’s still a learning experience, but we’ll come around.”
